To this speech Mr. Price bowed, but no very strong symptoms of satisfaction were manifest in his countenance. Lord Trimmerstone immediately despatched a messenger for Mr. Simpson, requesting him to bring with him the document which had been committed to his care by the late Mr. Martindale. The gentleman presently obeyed the summons, and the will in question was produced. Lord Trimmerstone cast his eye upon it, and hastily turned over, the very few folios which contained it, and with unaltered look said, “I see no mention made of funeral directions, and therefore we may proceed in our arrangements as before. Mr. Simpson, I will commit the will to your care; and after the funeral it may be read over, in the hearing of such of the parties concerned as may be present on the occasion.” Mr. Simpson received the paper, bowed, and retired. And as it would require a pen far more practised than ours to give interest to the discussion which followed the retiring of this gentleman, we will proceed to the day of the funeral. In opposition to the opinion and persuasions of Lord Trimmerstone, Signora Rivolta almost insisted on being present on the occasion. Clara followed her mother’s example, moved by the same considerations, and prompted by similar feelings. They both felt respect and love to the deceased; and the mother of Clara observed, “You will destroy the very character of funereal rites if you exclude those whose sorrow for the loss is greatest.” “It is on that very account, madam,” replied Lord Trimmerstone, “that we wish to persuade you from attending at the interment. Why should you wish to render your regrets more poignant? and why should you encounter a scene which will be affliction to you, and beneficial to no one?” “My lord, that which is matter of feeling is not subject for argument. I know that I shall feel deeply and painfully when I stand by my father’s grave; and I believe that my tears there will be joy to no one: but I also know that there may be many hours in life, in which to have shed these tears on such an occasion and at such a place will be to me a pleasure.” Lord Trimmerstone did not exactly understand how that was to be; but he knew very well that it was not the fashion for females to attend funerals, and he thought it was very absurd in Signora Rivolta to persist in such a request. His lordship did not exactly know why it was not fashionable, and perhaps never thought of inquiring. It is the spirit and glory of fashion to follow models and obey laws, without knowing why or wherefore. The true reason of the unfashionableness of that which Signora Rivolta and her daughter persisted in doing is, that emotion and deep feeling are unfashionable. The Earl of Trimmerstone did not pursue the course of opposition, on finding that the ladies were sincere and earnest in their wish to pay this last tribute of respect to their departed relative.